Special Report: Dream Jobs 2012

There's nothing textbook about the careers of the 10 engineers profiled in our annual Dream Jobs roundup

Photo: Gregg Segal

Engineers design things and solve problems. No surprise there—that’s the textbook definition of an engineer.

But there’s nothing textbook about the careers these 10 engineers have forged for themselves. They’re educators, explorers, and entertainers, as well as builders and problem solvers. Nicole Richard, for example, is using Lego kits to fire up young minds all over the world with the possibilities of technology. Chieko Asakawa is making the Web accessible to the blind. Kevin Hardy is part of a team attempting to send a man to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest spot in the world’s oceans. And Brent Bushnell is creating complicated machines with a simple purpose: to delight and enthrall.

Trying to visualize an engrossing career in technology? Problem solved.

DREAM JOBS 2012 list of articles:


		Brent Bushnell Brent Bushnell is a jack-of-all-tech-trades with a whimsical take on real-world engineering.				Kevin Wang Software creator Kevin Wang’s tools turn news stories into viral videos.

		Jascha Franklin-Hodge Ever since the Obama campaign, former AOL executive Jascha Franklin-Hodge has been using the Web to improve political campaigning.				Kevin Hardy Ocean engineer Kevin Hardy’s creations plumb the depths of the Mariana Trench.

		Antoine Ravisé Athlete/engineer Antoine Ravisé finds his calling developing next-generation sports gear.				Philip Toussaint Philip Toussaint’s computer code moves the scenery, props, and other gear that make magic for Cirque du Soleil and other extravaganzas.

		José Edimilson Canaes Brazilian educator José Edimilson Canaes teaches children to turn the power of computers onto social problems.				Chieko Asakawa IBM researcher Chieko Asakawa can’t see your website, but she can make it better.

		Nicole Richard Nicole Richard uses Lego kits to educate budding engineers.				John Stafford The leader of Aerovel’s avionics design team John Stafford gravitates to small, informal companies.